Speculate on Team Disco Plans?

TDC should just PIITB

homeycheese said:

Can they get 3 on the podium by the time this reaches Paris? :eek:

The conjecture about everyones fitness levels and the performance today by the "climebers" looked strong. 🙄

Respectfully, no way in hell. They look to be strong again this year, most notably because they are loaded with climbers whose talents haven't yet been tapped for Armstrong's benefit, yet he already has over a minute on his rivals.

But given that this team has but one aspiration -- to support Lance to his 7th -- it would be unprecedented for Bruyneel or Lance to allow thoughts of a podium placing to creep into the minds of any of the other riders. Even presuming Armstrong pushes his way to a substantial lead midway through the mountains, we all know that one bad day, or one unforeseen circumstance, can put the yellow jersey in jeopardy, and Disco will want all eight other riders to be as fresh as possible at all times.

I would never wish injury upon anyone, and truth be told I do want Armstrong to go out on top, but as a hypothetical, it would certainly be interesting to see what Discovery would do if Armstrong suddenly disappeared from the race. There is some formidable climbing talent on the team, a talented young rider, etc. I could see them aiming for any combination of jersey colors other than green.

I agree with your take,as in last year we will watch team members drop off used up in the mountain stages.
Lance will probably be buddying with someone from another team in the hard climbs.
Perhaps a stage win for maybe Hincapie but probably no more,but you just never know.

If Hincapie can hold on in the mountains, with his great ITT form this year its not impossible to think he could end up in the top five or even on the podium.

I think its possible for them to get 2 on the podium. If I recall right, didn't Ace finish 5th overall behind Ullrich, Kloden and Basso? I think Ace or Hincapie has a chance to do it this year also.

Lol, Hincapie is an amazing rider but no were near a top 30...........nonetheless he may be allowed to attack today and get that yellow jersey!

davidbod said:

If Hincapie can hold on in the mountains, with his great ITT form this year its not impossible to think he could end up in the top five or even on the podium.

MJtje said:

Lol, Hincapie is an amazing rider but no were near a top 30...........nonetheless he may be allowed to attack today and get that yellow jersey!

Yeah, I don't think that with Hincapie working for LA that he'll be able to get a podium spot. He is an amazing rider - just look at his season mixing it up in Paris Roubaix and then in the past few years he is doing an amazing job pulling LA up throught the Alps much longer than you would expect out of him. Now add in his great abilities in the ITT... kind of makes me wonder what he would be capable of on his own.

I'm hoping that we'll find him high up in the GC at the end of this TDF - but if I'm going to be realistic - those disco boys are going to be used for one thing - working to give lance his 7th. Unfortunately for George and everyone else it's all about Lance for 3 more weeks. Too bad because George is a much classier cyclist if you ask me.